As we get into the holiday season, it’s a good time to think of some relaxing times spent at home with loved ones. Having a nice meal, meeting new spouses and grandchildren, or just coming together finally after a long time apart- it is a period of joy and togetherness.
For these reasons and more, it is of the utmost importance to watch yourself on the road. There are a lot of extra drivers out there on the freeway systems and in the local streets as well. Over three hundred people are estimated to die on the roads every year around December 25th. And driving by car is the most fatal way to travel by far, especially at this time of year.
Maintaining the safety of your loved ones, however, is just a matter of following some guidelines and keeping your wits about you.
It is important to have a map and directions handy in case your GPS lets you down. Being lost or confused on the road is a sure way to increase your chances of risky or insecure driving. You don’t want to be driving hesitantly when the road is full of other drivers that may be lost as well.
Look out for storms, flooding, blizzards, and more. Don’t be afraid to change your route, delay your start or even cancel your trip in the face of a major weather event. No one wants to miss a celebration, but sometimes it is worth it to learn to stay home.
A lot of holiday rides feature cars packed with cousins, grandparents, and even the family pets. It is very important to make sure to respect your car or van’s guidelines for the number of passengers who can safely travel within it. It is also essential that the drive be calm and quiet for the focus of the driver.
First-Aid kits, sub-zero-proof sleeping bags, emergency rations, and roadside flares can make all the difference in the world if you find yourself stranded. This is especially true in winter conditions. Even a couple of hours in a cold car can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, and other serious medical issues. Having a charged cell phone is a smart way to be prepared, but the flares and survival equipment will come in handy if you are somewhere without cell phone service.
If the worst does happen and you do find yourself in an accident, make sure to follow the expected protocol: call the police, take pictures and witness information and get in touch with a qualified, local attorney. Stay calm and don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. Most localities that expect snowfall every year are well prepared to rescue stranded drivers and deal with snowy crashes.
All these things considered, though, you should not face the holiday season with fear. But it is important to be as safe as possible. Everyone is headed to an important destination, and it is the responsibility of every driver, and passenger, to get there without danger.
blogs
Common Causes of Car Accidents – and Ways to Avoid Them
Car accidents are an increasingly common source of injuries and loss of property and life. Every year, there are estimated to be over six million car accidents, in the US alone. We drive everywhere, and even short distances pose a hazard to drivers, as well as pedestrians and people on bicycles. The loss of property […]
4 Common Mistakes that Ruin Workers Compensation Claims
Thousands of workers are injured annually while at the workplace. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one worker succumbed to workplace injuries every 99 minutes in 2019, while over 99,000 others retained non-fatal injuries. Despite the prevalence of workplace injuries and the increasing number of workers compensation claims, only a few victims are usually […]
Workman’s Compensation and COVID in California
This past year has redefined a lot of things we usually take for granted. We’ve experienced new definitions of work, and even health, in general. Between telecommuting, staggered shifts, and widespread relocation, the face of business has changed rapidly. We have seen the rise of “essential workers” and “heroes” among our everyday neighbors and friends. […]
Five Products for Increased Bicycle Safety
Bicycle accidents are unfortunately increasingly common in both California and Arizona, causing many to seek damages to compensate for their losses. Defensive driving and being aware of your surroundings are the best tools for safety, as is making sure your bicycle is properly maintained, making sure to wear a helmet, and obeying all street laws […]
Staying Safe at Amusement Parks
Every family knows the joys of a day at the amusement park – the thrill of the rollercoasters, the taste of fried foods and sweets, and the splashy fun of a water ride. And while there can be downsides, like waiting in long lines, getting sunburned, or listening to screaming kids, most of these complaints […]
Five Apps for Bicyclists
Bicycle accidents happen all the time in the United States, and practicing bicycle safety is relatively simple – it just involves a lot of mindful riding and the safest possible equipment. Another part of safe bicycle riding is making sure you have your routes planned out and, in the case of an emergency, it doesn’t […]
Hit by a Police Car? Here’s What You Need to Know
Although car accidents are pretty common on Californian roads, car crashes involving law enforcement officers are quite rare. However, this is not to mean they do not happen. A police officer might cause an accident during a police chase against a suspect, or even due to negligence. What do you do when you are injured […]
Introducing MADD
As it says on their website, “the mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking.” And these mothers and their supporters work tirelessly to improve policy and law-making, and they are a force to be reckoned […]
Five Products for Increased Automobile Safety
It should be no surprise that in Arizona and California, with the increasing dependence on cars, automobile accidents are increasingly likely. In the event of an accident, you want to have as many bases covered as possible – from minor repairs you can do yourself to getting yourself out of harm’s way as quickly and […]
Workman’s Compensation — Beyond Physical Accidents
Every year in California, we see workman’s compensation claims that stem from traumatic injuries, accidents, and even accumulative physical strain. But what about the more subtle effects that can harm employees over time? Let’s take a look at toxic exposure in the workplace and what it means for you as an employee. If we are […]
contact form
